The mission of IOV is to protect, preserve and promote all forms of Folk Art and Folk Culture as elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), to foster understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity among all peoples, and thereby enhance the prospects for world peace.

We recognize that in order for folk culture to benefit future generations, it must not survive only as recorded memories of past generations, but in the living traditions of people today. 

IOV has been accredited by Unesco as an Expertise Centre for Immaterial Cultural Heritage, and wishes to continue its accreditation through its operation.